Photo credit
Fly fishing Meadow Creek in the Scapegoat Wilderness, Montana. Photo: Brandan W. Schulze, US Forest Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Illinois fishing license
You need one to fish in Illinois. Buy it from Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Where to buy it
Online from Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Many fly shops and sporting goods stores sell them too.
Buy a license on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website (opens in a new tab)
Where this link comes from
The agency's license store, opened Nov 8, 2026.
Before you go
| License | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Resident annual fishing license | $15.00 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| Non-resident annual fishing license | $31.50 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| Non-resident undefined-day license | $10.50 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| Inland Trout Stamp (Lake Michigan: Salmon Stamp) (resident) | $6.50 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| Inland Trout Stamp (Lake Michigan: Salmon Stamp) (non-resident) | $6.50 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
Free fishing days
- Third weekend in June; 2026: June 19-22 Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
Who needs one
- No license needed under 16 Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
Extra permits
- Inland Trout Stamp (Lake Michigan: Salmon Stamp): needed for taking trout in Illinois waters other than Lake Michigan; Lake Michigan trout/salmon need the Salmon Stamp Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
- Carry it while you fish, on paper or on your phone if the state allows.
- Fishing for trout? Some states also need a trout stamp or permit; the agency's page says.
- Read the special regulations for the water you pick: seasons, lures and limits can differ.
- Veteran or service member? Illinois concessions, quoted from the agency.